Chelsea Boot Advice

[Bilko]

I have the RM Williams Craftsmans in both black and chestnut with the chisel toe. They are undoubtedly the most comfortable shoes i have ever had. I wear them 3 days a week and they still look pretty much new two years down the line. I would highly recommend them. They also go with just about anything, be it jeans and a polo or shirt and trousers.

 

[SummerofLove]

Any sites you guys recommend for a good price on the RM Williams?

http://aussiebushhats.com.au/boots/rm-williams-craftsman-boots/rm-williams-craftsman-suede-b543s/

Was thinking about ordering from this Aussie sight. I live in the US so no customs fees under $800.00.

They are up for $500 on mrporter.

https://www.mrporter.com/en-us/prod...Ojw9mjhsyg1kCFQpLEFjn6uMbJE175OQ8waAu2v8P8HAQ

http://www.afarleycountryattire.co.uk/shop/rm-williams-suede-comfort-craftsman-boots-black/

http://www.ahume.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=1284&Colour=Black&image=2&CAT_ID=75#ImageAnchor

Also, what is sizing like? TTS or size down?

Some of my sizing:

Adidas/Nike Sneakers & Vans: TTS sz 12
Carmina Rain: 10 UK
Carmina Simpson 10.5 UK
Enzo Bonafe 946 Last 10 UK but can do 10.5 UK for loose fit
C&J Tetbury Chukka sz 10 UK E width

 

[jcep]

@callen and/or @SummerofLove much like David R, I'm a big fan of Chelseas so hoping some first hand experience will help you out. IMHO two of my favorites are:

1. The Lingfield from C&J
2. Chelsea on Simpson last from Carmina Shoemaker

Note that there are quite a few variations of both of these models and that if you like something that you can't find in stock, you can order via the MTO services for C&J and Carmina, respectively (at a cost). I encourage you both to visit www.carminashoemaker.com and check out their new customizer to get an idea for the options you might have (C&J offers customization too but it'll be done via a form so this is easier).

Specifics:
slim)
@callen , what aesthetic are you going for? While all the examples we've collectively suggested are Chelseas, the styles are varied and fit different purposes/preferences. I find that the upper material (type of leather/suede) sleekness of the last, and type sole have a significant impact on where in the spectrum, ranging from rugged to sleek, a certain boot will lie. This may sound obvious but I point it out because IMO these elements stand out quite a lot in a Chelsea since there are few elements to distract the eye (i.e. No medallions, buckles, laces, etc.). Thinking of the intended use for the boots will be helpful in helping you decide what your ideal pair may be. For example: 1) More dressy: Lingfield or Simpson last Chelsea in black calf with single width sole, 2) More outdoorsy C&J 3s or 5s in tough suede 3) Somewhere n between: C&J Cranfords (mine are black calf but have a red elastic and a dainite-like sole) or RM Williams

@SummerofLove check the below black suede C&J Lingfirlds at Barneys. These will match the desired modern/contemporary aesthetic but will do so at a perhaps superior quality level than that of the SL Wyatts. They are what I would get if I were you: http://www.barneys.com/product/crockett--26-jones-lingfield-chelsea-boots-504527351.html

Hope that helps you guys. Happy hunting.

 

[BrooksLauren77]

Cheaney has their Threadneedle model and make chelseas for Herring called the wilson and a wingtipped version called the thatcher.

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-info.php?&brandid=6&shoeid=9204

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/wilson_chelsea-boot/dark-leaf-calf

 

[Blake Stitched Blues]

I have a pair of RM Williams Craftsman. They are as well made as I read, but the heel is quite a bit higher than a traditional English Chelsea. Almost an Australian Cowboy boot Chelsea. I actually had the heels lowered a tad.

@Grayland

Do you mind if I ask how much you shortened them and if you had a picture of the result?

I have a pair of Comfort Craftsmen that aren't measurably all that high (about and inch and a half I think) but they certainly feel much higher than any of my other boots.

 

[BrooksLauren77]

Do you guys have the craftsman on the flat heel or the block heel? I own the Macquarie with a flat heel, and don't find it that high.

 

[Blake Stitched Blues]

Mine have the flat heel. I can't for the life of me figure out why they feel high, but they do.

 

[Rowland]

Carmina has a very nice Chelsea in the Simpsom last.

 

[Thin White Duke]

I can't compete with Reevesie but I own four pairs - recently did a blog post if you want to see a round up of my experiences, click below ...

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

These Chelsea boots look very classy and the price is reasonable.

http://letzdiscuz.com/product/magnanni-mens-sean-chelsea-boot

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/Men/Chelsea-Boots/c/7288/Croaven/p/47949360-28

http://www.thomasbirdshoes.com/chelsea-boots/eastwood-plain-designer-mens-chelsea-boot-tan

The Aldos are surprisingly easy on the eyes. They remind me of the Paul Smith Bertram boots that I was unable to find. I'm not a fan of rubber soles though but maybe they only have rubber inserts. You never know with Aldo though.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

So on a whim I ordered a pair of "inexpensive" Gordon Rush Zach chelsea boots from Nordstroms. They were originally $295 but are now on clearance (any time a Nordstroms item price end in .97 means that the item is on clearance). I'm not sure how they fit. I'm normally between a 9.5 and a 10, depending on the brand (except for Wolverine) so let's hope they fit because all they have left are an 8.5 and a 9. I should have them by next Wednesday

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Well the slow boat from Chin...err...Italy came in tonight and the verdict is a definite maybe. They aren't bad. They look decent and feel pretty good on my feet. They do make my feet look semi boat like but I believe that is the nature of the beast. I do believe there will be a pair of R.M. Williams in my future.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Well the Gordon Rush boots are still sitting in the box. Even for a cheapie boot I'm just not sold on them. I found these cheapies for under $100. I love burgundy colour but know nothing about the name. Has anyone had any experience with London based Paolo Vandini shoes?

 

[jacksonkeeper]

I see Gordon Rush all the time at Nordstrom - How's the company's reputation for shoe-making?

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

I see Gordon Rush all the time at Nordstrom - How's the company's reputation for shoe-making?

Hit or miss. I owned a pair of chukkas in the past and they served me well. I have heard bad stories about them as well. These are about 1/2 size too large so they are going back